Protective case for data storage disc

ABSTRACT

The invention involves durable and protective data storage disc cases. A case includes two portions that join to form an inner support at the center of a disc and an outer support surrounding the disc at its outer diameter. The inner and outer supports prevent the case from contacting, and possibly scratching, the data surface of a disc within the case, even when the case is subjected to a compressive force. Furthermore, the case may secure a disc by holding the disc at its center using a spindle and by holding the outer edge, beyond the data surface, on a rim at the outer support. In this manner, a disc is centered on the spindle, and further constrained by the rim at its outer edge. This secures the disc when the halves of the case are closed and allows the disc to be freely removed once the case is opened.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to storage containers for data storage media, such as optical discs.

BACKGROUND

Cases for data storage discs come in a variety of styles. For example, the most common case for compact discs (CDs) is known as a “jewel case”. While there are many variations of jewel cases, generally, a jewel case is a simple hinged plastic case designed to hold a CD and usually a printed insert or liner. Jewel cases are generally made from brittle plastic and are easily cracked under pressure. In contrast, cases commonly used for video applications on digital versatile disks (DVDs) are generally larger than jewel cases, and are made of a more durable plastic material. Video cases for single or double DVDs are generally about 10 mm thick, although 5 mm “slim” cases are also available for single DVDs. In both jewel cases and DVD video cases, the cases generally include tabs on a center hub to secure the disc to the case at the center hole of the disc.

Data storage disc cases serve to protect data storage discs from degradation. Even so, data storage discs, such as CDs and DVDs, degrade over time. The most common degradation of a data storage disc occurs as a result of user “abuse.” Even when a disc is secured within a case, the cases themselves may be subject to significant abuse. For example, cases may be dropped, stepped on or stuffed inside a backpack with a collection of heavy books. Stresses can cause walls of the case to bend and contact the media surface of the disc, which can lead to scratching of the media surface. Data storage discs with scratched surfaces may be unreadable.

Additionally, sunlight, humidity and static electricity all contribute to degradation of a data storage disc. Conventional plastic data storage disc cases do not protect data storage discs against humidity or static electricity, and clear plastic cases do not protect CDs or other data storage discs against sunlight. Such degradation generally occurs more slowly than degradation caused by physical abuse. Degradation due to sunlight, humidity and static electricity can eventually result in a disc, or a portion thereof, to becoming unreadable. Sunlight and humidity can also degrade label images printed onto the disk surface.

Furthermore, even removing a data storage disc from a case may cause the disc to bend as a user pulls up on the edge of the disc in order to release it from the tabs holding the center of the disc. Bending also degrades a disc. Such bending may be particularly harmful to DVDs, which often contain multiple layers on each side. Bending can cause the layers of a DVD to delaminate, making the DVD unreadable.

SUMMARY

In general, the invention is directed to cases for data storage discs that provide improved protection against degradation for data storage discs. For example, embodiments of the invention may comprise a case for any data storage disc, including an audio CD, a video DVD, next generation DVDs, such as an HD-DVD disc or a Blu-Ray disc, or any other disc-shaped data storage medium including any optical disc, mageto-optic disc, magnetic disc, patterned media disc, holographic disc, or the like. According to an embodiment of the invention, a data storage disc case includes supports adjacent to the center hole and outer circumference of data storage disc. These supports prevent walls of the case from contacting a data surface of a disc even when the case is under compressive forces. The case may secure a disc by holding the disc at its center using a spindle and by holding the outer edge, beyond the data surface, on a rim at the outer support. In this manner, a disc is centered on the spindle, and further constrained by the rim at its outer edge.

In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a case for holding a data storage disc comprising a box forming an interior cavity, a first support element within the interior cavity extending from a top surface of the interior cavity to a bottom surface of the interior cavity, and a second support element extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. The first support element substantially surrounds the data storage disc at an outer circumference of the data storage disc. The second support element fits within a center hole formed by the data storage disc.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a case for holding a data storage disc comprising a casing forming an interior cavity sized to hold a data storage disc, a support element within the interior cavity extending from a top surface of the interior cavity to a bottom surface of the interior cavity and a rim to hold the disc at an outer edge of the disc. The support element fits within a center hole formed by the data storage disc. The outer edge is beyond a data surface of the disc.

In an embodiment, a case for holding a data storage disc comprises a box forming a circular shaped interior cavity within a sub-portion of the box, a first support element within the interior cavity extending from a top surface of the interior cavity to a bottom surface of the interior cavity, a spindle that extends from the top surface of the interior cavity to the bottom surface of the interior cavity, a first rim to support the disc at an outer edge of the disc, wherein the outer edge is beyond a data surface of the disc and a second rim to support the disc around the center hole. The first support element substantially surrounds the data storage disc at an outer circumference of the data storage disc. The spindle fits within a center hole formed by the data storage disc. The second rim is coplanar with the first rim.

Embodiments of the invention may provide one or more of the following advantages. For example, embodiments of the invention may provide for a highly durable data storage disc case that protects a data storage disc from abuse. Embodiments of the invention may also include a barrier to protect a data storage disc from either one or more of light, humidity and static electricity. Embodiments of the invention may also allow a data storage disc to be freely removed from a data storage disc case, reducing the chance that a data storage disc may be damaged when removing it from the case.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D are illustrations of a data storage disc case including two joined portions that form a rectangular box surrounding a circular disc enclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2D are illustrations of a data storage disc case including two separate portions that combine to form a circular disc enclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view illustration of a data storage disc case holding a data storage disc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1D (collectively FIGS. 1) are illustrations of data storage disc case 100. Case 100 comprises bottom portion 102 and top portion 104 joined by hinge 106. As shown in FIG. 1D, bottom portion 102 and top portion 104 mate to form an enclosure for a data storage disc. For example, case 100 may hold a CD, DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-Ray or other data storage disc such as an optical disc, a magneto-optic disc, a magnetic disc, a patterned media disc, a holographic disc, or the like.

When closed, as shown in FIG. 1D, data storage disc case 100 includes a box forming an interior cavity. The interior cavity may comprise a circular shaped sub-portion of the entire inside of case 100, i.e., the interior cavity is a sub-portion of the box. The inner surfaces of the interior cavity are shown in FIG. 1A. The upper surface of the interior cavity is formed by top portion 104 and the bottom surface of the interior cavity is formed by bottom portion 102. The sides of the interior cavity are formed by outer walls 115A and 115B of top portion 104 and bottom portion 102 respectively. Walls 115A and 115B are collectively referred to as wall 115. Wall 115 helps prevent surfaces of the interior cavity from contacting a data storage disc, even when data storage disc case 100 is subjected to compressive forces.

Data storage disc case 100 includes support element 114A on bottom portion 102 and support element 114A on top portion 104. Support elements 114A and 114B are collectively referred to as support element 114. When data storage disc case 100 is closed, support element 114 extends from the top surface of the interior cavity to the bottom surface of the interior cavity. In other embodiments, support elements may be a single support element extending from either top portion 104 or bottom portion 102 rather than a combination of support elements 114A and 114B. Furthermore, in some embodiments, support element 114 does not form a continuous ring to surround a data storage disc as in data storage disc case 100. For example, support element 114 may include physically separate extrusions that, as a set, surround the outer circumference of a data storage disc contained by data storage disc case 100. Other designs and configurations of support element 114 are also possible.

Data storage disc case 100 also includes spindle 108. Spindle 108 functions as an additional support element. When data storage disc case 100 is closed, spindle 108 extends from the top surface of the interior cavity to the bottom surface of the interior cavity. Spindle 108 fits within a center hole formed by a data storage disc. Data storage disc case 100 also includes rim 112. Rim 112 holds a data storage disc at its outer edge and beyond the data surface of the data storage disc. For example, a CD or DVD disc may be 120 millimeters in diameter and the data surface of the disc may extend from an inner diameter of approximately 25 millimeters to an outer diameter of approximately 118 millimeters. The outer edge of a disc is the portion beyond the outer diameter of the data surface. Spindle 108 centers a data storage disc within the interior cavity and rim 112 supports the outer edge of the disc to keep the disc substantially parallel to the top surface and the bottom surface of the interior cavity formed by data storage disc case 100 when closed.

As shown in FIGS. 1, data storage disc case 100 also includes a center rim 110, which provides additional support for a data storage disc near the center hole of a data storage disc and also inside the data surface of a data storage disc. Center rim 110 is coplanar with rim 112. For example, center rim 110 may have an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the data surface on a data storage disc, such that the data storage surface of the disc is not contacted by center rim 110. A data storage disc is further constrained by rim 116. A data storage disc is pinched between center rim 110 and rim 116 to further constrain the position of the data storage disc within the interior cavity of data storage disc case 100. The position of a data storage disc within a data storage disc case is shown in FIG. 3 and described below.

Support element 114 combines with spindle 108 and walls 115 to reduce deformation due to compressive force on data storage disc case 100. For example, bottom portion 102 and top portion 104 may be thin-walled plastic structures. As such, bottom portion 102 and top portion 104 may deform under force. Deformation of data storage disc case 100 in response to compressive forces is related to the thickness of the material in bottom portion 102 and top portion 104 and the span distance between supports. Supports of data storage disc case 100 include outer wall 115, but also support element 114 and spindle 108. As compared to a data storage disc case without support element 114 or spindle 108, the span distance of data storage disc case 100 is significantly reduced. For example, the span distance of data storage disc case 100 may be approximately one-third the distance of the span distance in a data storage disc case without support element 114 or spindle 108. In other embodiments, a data storage disc case may include only one support element 114 or spindle, leaving a longer span distance than with data storage disc case 100, but still providing a reduced span as compared to a data storage disc case without additional supports.

Because data storage disc case 100 has a relatively short span distance, data storage disc case 100 will not contact the data surface of a data storage disc within data storage disc case 100 under normal use or even significant abuse. For example, if data storage disc case 100 was accidentally stepped on while lying on a floor, a data storage disc within data storage disc case 100 may not be damaged.

Data storage disc case 100 also includes additional features to protect an encased data storage disc. For example, ribs 134A and ribs 134B (collectively ribs 134), shown in FIG. 1C, increase the stiffness of data storage disc case 100. Ribs 134A are on the surface of bottom portion 102 and ribs 134B are on the surface of upper portion 104. Ribs 134 each extend from support element 114 to spindle 108. In other embodiments, ribs may be positioned in a different manner, e.g., ribs may extend from support element 114 to walls 115.

Data storage disc case 100 may also include extrusions 132 to keep top portion 104 aligned with bottom portion 102 when data storage disc case 100 is subjected to forces causing deformation. Likewise, ring 117 fits over spindle 108 to provide another feature to maintain alignment of top portion 104 and bottom portion 102. Maintaining alignment of top portion 104 and bottom portion 102 increases the ability of data storage disc case 100 to resist deformation.

Data storage disc case 100 may optionally include a barrier (not shown in FIGS. 1) to protect a data storage disc from sunlight, static electricity and/or humidity. For example, a barrier may include a polymer loaded with a conductive substance, a carbon-loaded polymer and/or a metallic thin-film deposition, e.g., a nickel thin-film deposition. In the case of sunlight protection, the barrier may simply comprise an opaque material. The barrier may additionally comprise a seal between support element 114A and support element 114B. Examples of possible seals include semi-permanent seals such as a thermal seal, epoxy seal or solvent seal. A non-permanent seal is also possible, e.g., a press-fit seal. If data storage disc case 100 includes a semi-permanent seal, data storage disc case 100 would be best suited for storing data storage discs for a long period of time. For example, data storage disc case 100 may be used to archive data stored on a data storage disc. By providing a vapor barrier and/or a static electricity barrier, data storage disc case 100 increases data storage reliability of data storage discs.

Data storage disc case 100 may be manufactured using injection molding techniques commonly known to those in the art. Data storage disc case 100 includes features related to manufacturability. For example, data storage disc case 100 forms groove 120, shown in FIG. 1B, which corresponds to support element 114B. In this manner, the thickness of data storage disc case 100 is not greater at support element 114B. As shown in FIGS. 1, data storage disc case also includes additional groves and recesses, which serve to limit the maximum thickness of any cross-section of data storage disc case 100. Maintaining a consistent thickness throughout data storage disc case 100 may, for example, improve flow into a mold and/or limit the time necessary for the material forming data storage disc case 100 to solidify after being injected into a mold. Data storage disc case 100 may also include features that require additional manufacturing processes. For example, data storage disc case 100 may include a metallic barrier to provide a vapor seal and further to protect a data storage disc from static electricity. For example, a metallic barrier may be formed by performing a thin-film deposition process.

FIGS. 2A-2D (collectively FIGS. 2) are illustrations of data storage disc case 200 including bottom portion 202 and top portion 204. Bottom portion 202 and top portion 204 mate to form the casing of data storage disc case 200. The casing of data storage disc case 200 forms an interior cavity sized to hold a data storage disc. For example, case 100 may hold a CD, DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-Ray or other data storage disc.

Data storage disc case 200 includes many features the same or similar to data storage disc case 100 shown in FIGS. 1. For example, spindle 208 functions as a support element to reduce the span distance in data storage disc case 200. When data storage disc case 200 is closed, as shown in FIG. 2D, spindle 208 extends for a top surface of the interior cavity sized to hold a data storage disc to a bottom surface of the interior cavity. Casing wall 214A and 214B (collectively wall 214) also function as support elements. The combination of spindle 208 and wall 214 provide for a short span distance similar to that of data storage disc case 100 in FIGS. 1. In the same manner as data storage disc case 100, data storage disc case 200 can protect a data storage disc under normal use or even significant abuse.

Rim 212 holds a data storage disc at its outer edge and beyond the data surface of the data storage disc. Center rim 210 provides additional support for a data storage disc near the center hole of a data storage disc beyond the data surface of a data storage disc. In data storage disc case 200, a data storage disc is centered on spindle 208, laid flat on center rim 210 and rim 212 and held flat by rim 216 when data storage disc case 200 is closed.

Data storage disc case 200 includes additional features to increase its durability. For example, data storage disc case 200 includes ribs 234A and ribs 234B (collectively ribs 234), which increase the stiffness of data storage disc case 200. Ribs 234A are on the surface of bottom portion 202 and ribs 234B are on the surface of upper portion 204. Ribs 234 each extend from casing wall 214 to spindle 208. In other embodiments, ribs may be positioned in a different manner. Data storage disc case 200 also includes ring 217, which fits over spindle 208 to provide alignment of top portion 204 and bottom portion 202.

Data storage disc case 200 may optionally include a barrier (not shown in FIGS. 2) to protect a data storage disc from static electricity and/or humidity. For example, a barrier may include a polymer loaded with a conductive substance, a carbon-loaded polymer and/or a metallic thin-film deposition, e.g., a nickel thin-film deposition. The barrier may additionally comprise a seal between wall 214A and 214B. Examples of possible seals include semi-permanent seals such as a thermal seal, epoxy seal or solvent seal. A non-permanent seal is also possible, e.g., a press-fit seal. If data storage disc case 200 includes a semi-permanent seal, data storage disc case 200 would be best suited for storing data storage discs for a long period of time. For example, data storage disc case 200 may be used to archive data stored on a data storage disc. By providing a vapor barrier and/or a static electricity barrier, data storage disc case 200 increases data storage reliability of data storage discs.

Data storage disc case 200 may be manufactured using injection molding techniques commonly known to those in the art. Data storage disc case 200 may also include features that require additional manufacturing processes. For example, data storage disc case 200 may include a metallic barrier to provide a vapor seal and further to protect a data storage disc from static electricity. For example, a metallic barrier may be formed by performing a thin-film deposition process. An example of a data storage disc case including a barrier is shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view illustration of data storage disc case 300 holding a data storage disc 340. Data storage disc case 300 comprises bottom portion 302 and top portion 304 joined by hinge 306. Bottom portion 302 and top portion 304 mate to form an enclosure for data storage disc 340. For example, data storage disc 340 may be a CD, DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-Ray or other data storage disc.

When closed, as shown in FIG. 3, data storage disc case 300 is a box or container that forms an interior cavity. The upper surface of the interior cavity is formed by top portion 302 and the bottom surface of the interior cavity is formed by bottom portion 304. The sides of the interior cavity are formed by outer walls 315A and 315B (collectively wall 315). Wall 315 helps prevent surfaces of the interior cavity from contacting data storage disc 340, even when data storage disc case 300 is subjected to compressive force and other abuse.

Support elements 314A and 314B (collectively support elements 314) extend from the top surface of the interior cavity to bottom surface of the interior cavity. Spindle 308 also functions as an additional support element. Spindle 308 extends from the top surface of the interior cavity to bottom surface of the interior cavity. Support element 314 combines with wall 315 and spindle 308 to reduce the span distance, thereby reducing deformation due to compressive force on data storage disc case 300.

Data storage disc case 300 holds data storage disc 340 without contacting a data surface of the data storage disc. Spindle 308 fits within a center hole formed by data storage disc 340. Rim 312 holds data storage disc 340 beyond the data surface of data storage disc 340. Rim 310 holds data storage disc 340 near its center, inside the data surface. Rim 316 also contacts data storage disc 340 near its center and beyond the data surface. The data surface of data storage disc 340 is protected against scratching from contact with data storage disc case 300.

Data storage disc case 300 includes features that line up top portion 304 with bottom portion 302 and maintain alignment when data storage disc case 300 is subjected to forces causing deformation. For example, ring 317 fits over spindle 308 and support element 314B fits within support element 314A. Data storage disc case 300 may additionally include extrusions (not shown in FIG. 3) along wall 315 and/or ribs extending from spindle 308 to support element 314 to further increase resistance to deformation for data storage disc case 300.

Barrier 327 is formed over both the inner surface of the box of data storage case 300 and the outer surface of the box of data storage case 300. In other embodiments, barrier 327 may be formed over only a single surface of the box. Barrier 327 protects data storage disc 340 from light, static electricity and/or humidity. For example, barrier 327 may include a polymer loaded with a conductive substance, a carbon-loaded polymer and/or a metallic thin-film deposition, e.g., a nickel thin-film deposition. The barrier may additionally comprise a seal between support element 314A and support element 314B. Examples of possible seals include semi-permanent seals such as a thermal seal, epoxy seal or solvent seal. A non-permanent seal is also possible, e.g., a press-fit seal. By providing a vapor barrier and/or a static electricity barrier, data storage disc case 300 increases data storage reliability of data storage discs. While barrier 327 is shown in FIG. 3 as a thin-film coating, in other embodiments, barrier 327 may be part of bottom portion 302 and upper portion 304, e.g., as a carbon loaded polymer used to form data storage disc case 300.

Data storage disc case 300 may be manufactured using injection molding techniques commonly known to those in the art. Data storage disc case 300 requires additional manufacturing process to form barrier 327. For example, barrier 327 may be formed by a thin-film deposition process after molding processes.

A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, consistent with the invention, a data storage disc case may be formed from stamped metal rather than plastic to further increase durability of a data storage disc case. Accordingly, these and other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A case for holding a data storage disc comprising: a box forming an interior cavity; a first support element within the interior cavity extending from a top surface of the interior cavity to a bottom surface of the interior cavity, wherein the first support element substantially surrounds the data storage disc at an outer circumference of the data storage disc; and a second support element extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, wherein the second support element fits within a center hole formed by the data storage disc.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein the second support element is a spindle that extends from the top surface of the interior cavity to the bottom surface of the interior cavity, wherein the spindle fits within the center hole.
 3. The case of claim 1, further comprising tabs to hold the data storage disc at the center hole.
 4. The case of claim 1, wherein the box comprises two portions joined by a hinge element at a junction of the two portions.
 5. The case of claim 1, further comprising a first set of ribs on the top surface, wherein the first set of ribs extend radially from the first support element to the second support element.
 6. The case of claim 5, further comprising a second set of ribs on the bottom surface, wherein the second set of ribs extend radially from the first support element to the second support element.
 7. The case of claim 1, further comprising a barrier to protect the disc from static electricity.
 8. The case of claim 7, wherein the barrier is selected from one or more of a group consisting of: a polymer loaded with a conductive substance; a carbon-loaded polymer; a metallic thin-film deposition over a surface of the box; and a nickel thin-film deposition over the surface of the box.
 9. The case of claim 1, further comprising a barrier layer formed over a surface of the box to protect the disc from humidity.
 10. The case of claim 9, wherein the barrier comprises a metallic thin-film deposition substantially encompassing the interior cavity.
 11. The case of claim 9, wherein the barrier comprises a seal substantially surrounding the data storage disc at an outer circumference of the disc.
 12. The case of claim 11, wherein the seal comprises a semi-permanent seal.
 13. The case of claim 1, further comprising: a first rim to support the disc at an outer edge of the disc, wherein the outer edge is beyond a data surface of the disc; and a second rim to support the disc around a center hole formed by the data storage disc, wherein the second is coplanar with the first rim.
 14. A case for holding a data storage disc comprising: a casing forming an interior cavity sized to hold a data storage disc; a support element within the interior cavity extending from a top surface of the interior cavity to a bottom surface of the interior cavity, wherein the support element fits within a center hole formed in the data storage disc; and a rim to support the disc at an outer edge of the disc, wherein the outer edge is beyond a data surface of the disc.
 15. The case of claim 14, wherein the support element is a spindle.
 16. The case of claim 14, further comprising a barrier to protect the disc from humidity.
 17. The case of claim 14, further comprising a barrier to protect the disc from static electricity.
 18. The case of claim 14, further comprising: a first set of ribs on the top surface, wherein ribs of the first set of ribs extend from the support element to an outer wall of the casing; and a second set of ribs on the bottom surface, wherein ribs of the second set of ribs extend from the support element to the outer wall.
 19. A case for holding a data storage disc comprising: a box forming a circular shaped interior cavity within a sub-portion of the box; a first support element within the interior cavity extending from a top surface of the interior cavity to a bottom surface of the interior cavity, wherein the first support element substantially surrounds the data storage disc at an outer circumference of the data storage disc; a spindle that extends from the top surface of the interior cavity to the bottom surface of the interior cavity, wherein the spindle fits within a center hole formed by the data storage disc; a first rim to support the disc at an outer edge of the disc, wherein the outer edge is beyond a data surface of the disc; and a second rim to support the disc around the center hole, wherein the second rim is coplanar with the first rim.
 20. The case of claim 19, further comprising: a first set of ribs on the top surface, wherein ribs of the first set of ribs extend from the support element to an outer wall of the casing; and a second set of ribs on the bottom surface, wherein ribs of the second set of ribs extend from the support element to the outer wall. 